Malta is known for its beautiful architecture and breathtaking coastline – and it turns out that the locals love the way they look, too.
Research has shown that Malta is the country with the highest level of body confidence in the world.
In a global study, researchers from Anglia Ruskin University surveyed more than 56,000 people from 65 countries about their body image.
Malta, Taiwan, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan topped the list as the most self-confident countries.
At the other end of the table, Australia, India and Britain emerged as the countries with the lowest confidence in their numbers.
In a new global study, researchers from Anglia Ruskin University surveyed more than 56,000 people from 65 countries about their body image. Malta, Taiwan, Bangladesh and Kazakhstan topped the list as the most self-confident countries (stock image)
Previous research has found a link between high levels of body esteem and a range of positive well-being traits, including improved self-esteem and healthy eating habits.
Until now, however, little research has been done on how body esteem varies around the world.
To answer this question, the The team gathered 56,968 participants from 65 countries who were surveyed about their body image.
Participants were asked to indicate the extent to which they agreed with ten statements, including “I respect my body” and “I appreciate the different and unique characteristics of my body.”
Overall, the results showed that having a more positive body image was strongly associated with better psychological well-being and life satisfaction.
Professor Viren Swami, lead author of the study, said: ‘This is one of the largest body image studies ever conducted, brought about through a collaborative research effort involving more than 250 scientists around the world.
“Our finding that greater body appreciation is associated with better psychological well-being highlights the importance of developing ways to promote more positive body image globally.”
Breaking down the results by country, the researchers found that Malta topped the list as the most confident country, followed by Taiwan, Bangladesh, Kazakhstan, South Korea and the Philippines.
People in Australia had the lowest body confidence, followed by India, UK, Ireland, Ukraine, Germany and the US (stock image)
At the other end of the scale, people in Australia had the lowest body confidence, followed by India, Britain, Ireland, Ukraine, Germany and the US.
Finally, the study found that body appreciation was higher in all countries among people who lived in rural areas, as well as among those who were single.
“People living in urban areas may feel a stronger pressure to conform to body ideals promoted by Western society, and it is also notable that people from countries perceived as culturally different from the United States tend to have a seemed to have greater body appreciation,” Professor Swami said.
“People in rural areas may also benefit from being in nature, and previous research has also found this to be associated with positive body image.”
The researchers hope the findings will encourage authorities around the world to promote more positive body image.
“We are confident that the current work will help scientists better understand the meaning and manifestation of body esteem in different countries, and will be of value to practitioners and policymakers seeking to promote more positive body image outcomes in diverse national, cultural and linguistic contexts.” . groups,” the team wrote in the study, published in Body Image.